Ford Motor Company announced on 16 October 2017 the recipients of the 2017-18 Ford-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Conservation and Environmental Research Grants programme.

This is the fifth year for the Ford-HKUST Conservation and Environmental Research Grants programme – a unique partnership between Ford Motor Company and HKUST – to promote environmental sustainability and research, with a focus on green technologies and transportation.

This year, 23 Master of Science students from HKUST School of Engineering were awarded grants. As with previous years, HKUST matched Ford’s contribution of HK$500,000 for the graduate research grants, for a total of HK$1 million.

Grant recipients will focus on research projects related to Hong Kong’s environmental conservation, transportation optimization and sustainability. This year’s projects include possible usage of Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) in automated driving systems, energy efficient smart traffic systems that help people drive safely at night, thermal management systems for EV batteries and wastewater treatment systems.

“Ford is proud to continue our collaboration with HKUST to support young talent in Hong Kong on finding innovative solutions for a more sustainable community,” said Bagus SUSANTO, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “These kinds of conservation solutions reflect Ford’s forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability.”

“We highly appreciate Ford’s ongoing support, which has so far provided 85 students with valuable research opportunities and continues to drive academic excellence,” said Prof King Lun YEUNG, Associate Dean of Engineering (Research and Graduate Studies), HKUST School of Engineering.

“In addition to providing financial support for research projects, the grants will give our students the opportunity to turn cutting-edge technologies they learn about in the classroom into the real-world applications that have the potential to make a difference. I am confident that our students will make good use of the grants to advance technology that improves people’s lives,” added Prof Yeung.

Established in 2013, the Grants programme has now become one of the most popular and successful grant schemes for postgraduate students at HKUST, one of Asia’s leading universities.

Ford’s Conservation and Environmental Grants Programme 
Founded in 1983, the Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants programme was created to empower individuals and non-profit groups to conduct research and projects which help preserve the environmental well-being of their communities and provide solutions contributing to a sustainable planet.

Since launching, Ford has awarded more than US$5 million in grants to hundreds of environmental projects in more than 60 countries around the world.

In the Asia Pacific, Ford has played a pivotal role in advancing environmental initiatives for more than a decade across multiple markets, from protecting wildlife and preventing forest fires, to funding cultural heritage projects and replenishing resources in rural communities.

About Ford Motor Company 
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 203,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.